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Bishop Nicholas Chamberlain became the first in the Church of England to publicly reveal he is gay and in a relationship on Friday.

He said he is in a long-term, celibate relationship with his male partner.

"It was not my decision to make a big thing about coming out," he said.

The bishop said he had been open about his sexuality prior to the appointment

"People know I'm gay, but it's not the first thing I'd say to anyone. Sexuality is part of who I am, but it's my ministry that I want to focus on."

He was consecrated last year by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby - who has said he knew about the bishop's sexuality.

He also said he had been open about his sexuality prior to becoming a bishop.

Justin Welby said he knew about the bishop's sexualityCredit:
Gareth Fuller

But Gafcon, a group which includes conservative Anglicans around the world, said there had been an “element of secrecy” around the appointment and added the news would “exacerbate” divisions within the church.

"There are aspects of this appointment which are a serious cause for concern for biblically orthodox Anglicans around the world, and therefore we believe that this appointment is a major error," the Gafcon statement said.

The statement was signed by Gafcon’s general secretary, the Most Reverend Peter Jensen, and Canon Andy Lines, the chairman of the group’s UK task force.

I am and have been fully aware of Bishop Nick's long-term, committed relationshipJustin Welby

Bishop Chamberlain made the announcement to the Guardian newspaper on Friday after an unnamed Sunday paper reportedly threatened to publish a story about his sexuality.

Most Rev Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said Mr Chamberlain's sexuality was "completely irrelevant".

"I am and have been fully aware of Bishop Nick's long-term, committed relationship," he added.

"His appointment as Bishop of Grantham was made on the basis of his skills and calling to serve the church in the diocese of Lincoln.

"He lives within the bishops' guidelines and his sexuality is completely irrelevant to his office."

It is thought no serving bishop has ever before gone public about their sexuality. The former Archbishop of York, Lord Hope, said in 1995 that his sexuality was a "grey area".

A Church of England spokesman said: "Nicholas has not misled anyone and has been open and truthful if asked. The matter is not secret, although it is private as is the case with all partnerships/relationships."